Technical Project Lead

Motive Companies, LLC; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Job summary

Motive Workforce is seeking a Spacecraft Technical Project Lead for a Los Angeles-based spacecraft technology company, located in Santa Monica, CA. The role will lead the technical execution of spacecraft development programs from conceptual design through assembly, integration, testing, launch, and on-orbit operations.

The ideal candidate brings broad spacecraft systems experience, strong AI&T knowledge, and proven leadership of multidisciplinary engineering teams in fast-paced development

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in spacecraft design and development.
• Proven AI&T (assembly, integration, testing) experience.
• Experience coordinating with launch service providers.
• Strong leadership of multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead overall spacecraft development from design to operations.
• Coordinate across engineering teams to resolve technical challenges.
• Support launch integration activities and readiness.
• Mentor engineering teams and manage stakeholder communications.

Skills

Spacecraft systems

Leadership

Technical communication

Education

B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Advanced degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering

Tools

Python

C++

MATLAB

Job description

Job Details

A&D/Semi

Technical Project Lead Santa Monica,CA Posted:11/5/2026 Job Description Job ID#:

87062

Job Category: A&D/Semi

Position Type: Direct

Duration: Direct

Shift: 1

Motive Workforce is seeking a Spacecraft Technical Project Lead for a Los Angeles-based spacecraft technology company developing custom spacecraft and mission solutions for commercial, science, and national security applications. This role will lead the technical execution of spacecraft development programs from conceptual design through assembly, integration, testing, launch, and on-orbit operations. The ideal candidate brings broad spacecraft systems experience, strong AI&T knowledge, and a proven ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams through complex, fast-paced development programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead overall spacecraft development from conceptual design through final assembly, testing, launch, and operations.
• Lead spacecraft assembly, integration, and testing (AI&T) activities to meet mission requirements and program schedules.
• Coordinate across multidisciplinary engineering teams to resolve technical challenges and optimize spacecraft designs.
• Support launch integration activities, including coordination with launch service providers and spacecraft launch readiness.
• Work closely with research and development teams to integrate new technologies into spacecraft design and development.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship across engineering teams.
• Work with internal stakeholders to meet technical, schedule, and budget objectives.
• Communicate and coordinate with suppliers to maintain technical, budget, and schedule requirements.

Job Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Extensive experience in spacecraft design and development with a strong understanding of spacecraft systems and subsystems.
• Proven spacecraft assembly, integration, and testing (AI&T) experience.
• Understanding of space mission ground segments, including command and control systems.
• Experience supporting launch integration and coordinating with launch service providers.
• Familiarity with orbital mechanics, spacecraft communications systems, and ground segments.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex technical problems and lead multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong technical communication and leadership skills.
• B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

Desired Qualifications

• End-to-end program leadership experience supporting rapid on-orbit technology demonstration missions.
• Understanding of spacecraft EMC/EMI testing and design considerations.
• Advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with Python, C++, MATLAB, or spacecraft system and mission modeling tools.

Compensation

$160,000 - $200,000 per year Final compensation will be based on experience, education, and qualifications.

Benefits

Benefits include paid medical healthcare for employees, flexible vacation, sick days, 401(k) matching, pregnancy and family leave, holiday pay, military service leave, dental coverage, vision coverage, and additional benefits.